For the love of scrubs! It's Scrub Mask week here at the Canadian Beauty Bloggers Montagne Jeunesse Mask Off (#CBBMJMASKOFF). Mangos, and apricots and exfoliating, oh my! These fresh fruity scents make me dream of a tropical skincare paradise. Let's see what the other gals thought...

Monday, April 28, 2014

Blush-gasm. For the love of blush, I have been graced with the opportunity to review the Rimmel Stay Blushed Liquid Cheek Tints ($5.99). Through my blogging endeavours, I received two colours - 001 Pop of Pink and 004 Sunkissed Cherry. In addition, the Rimmel Stay Blushed Liquid Cheek Tints also come in the colours 002 Touch of Berry, 003 Peach Flush, and 005 Apricot Glow. If it's any indication of how much I enjoy these, I'll have you know that I want them all.

The packaging of the liquid cheek tint is a little boring but I'm kind of digging the squeeze tube. Despite the lack of finesse with the white plastic, it's quite hygienic. Unless you can somehow fit your germ-ridden fingers or brush into the little hole of the tube, you're golden and practically germ-free.

The colour of the Rimmel Stay Blushed Liquid Cheek Tints. One word. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. I mean, check out that pigmentation. The photo shown above was was only the tiniest squeeze of the tube. Pop of Pink is a bright, warm pink while Sunkissed Cherry is somewhat more "natural" for a slightly deeper brown-toned flush.

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Once in a while, a product takes me back to a time when I was in Grade 3, obsessed with that bad a$$ feeling that you get when you've got a Spiderman tattoo on your knee. I was totally that girl and I had a nostalgic throwback moment with the Violent Lips Raspberry Swirl Glitterati Mix Lip Appliques ($9.99 at obsessedcanada.com with free, no-minimum shipping within Canada).

Violent Lips are like the all grown-up version of temporary tattoos, regarded by Allure magazine as the "future of lipstick". Keep in mind that they're still for bad a$$es (like myself) and not for the faint of heart.

Friday, April 25, 2014

I'm embracing my "Asian" side by trying something from all the way across the ocean. The Face Shop Cushion Screen Cell [Foundation] SPF 50+ PA+++ ($23.99 on ibuybeauti.com) is my attempt at venturing into parts unknown. Yes... the cushion foundation is popular in Korea, but the screen cushion is even more new and innovative.

What is a cushion foundation? Instead of bottled packaging, the product is soaked in a cushion compact. You're meant to press a puff onto the sponge and then use the sponge to apply foundation to your face.Supposedly, the cushion creates a more natural, even coverage on the skin.

Like a little child playing with lego, I took apart the pieces of The Face Shop Cushion Screen Cell. Essentially it's made up of 5 parts. (1) a large, bulky compact with mirror, which houses all the other pieces (2) a puff applicator (3) the "sponge"/cushion (4) the screen (5) the screen holder. The difference between the Face Shop Cushion Screen Cell and your ordinary cushion foundation is this - the 0.028 mm screen almost filters the liquid foundation so a lesser amount of the product on the puff applicator for a more delicate finish.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

If they created it, every beauty addict and their mom must have it. This much is true when it comes to the beloved Pixiwoo (Chapman) sisters. New in the Real Techniques range now available in Canada are the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge ($9.99) and the Real Techniques Silicone Liner Brush ($8.99) at Pharmasave, Lawtons Drugs, London Drugs and online at Farleyco.ca.

Before the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, my favourite way to apply foundation was with a wedge sponge - those Quo brand ones from Shoppers Drug Mart. This is definitely a step up from disposable wedges, as it has three different dimensions. (1) the flat side - for the largest areas of your face (2) the rounded edge - for stippling and blending (3) the edge - for hard to reach areas and precision blending.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

The lip crayon craze is never-ending and I'm certainly not over it. There's Clinique, Revlon, Soap & Glory, New York Color, and now...the Rimmel Lasting Finish Colour Rush Intense Colour Balms ($7.99) have landed in the the drugstores of Canada. I've tried my fair share of the lip crayons from other brands so maybe I can call myself a "Lip Crayon Aficionado"?

The last week has been a toss up between 4 colours - 710 Drive Me Nude (pink-brown nude), 200 Keep Mauving (deep mauve), 100 Give Me a Cuddle (light pink), and 500 the Redder the Better (neutral-toned red). The other three Colour Rush Balm shades include 220 Rumour Has It, 600 On Fire, and 700 Not an Illusion. I swear there's a colour for every occasion.

Monday, April 21, 2014

The name "oil" scares me a little. But add "mud into the mix and it's a whole different story. The Olive Oil/Nut Oil Mask is by no means slicking oil all over your face, rather it's the same relaxing at-home spa mask treatment that we've been testing out for the past two weeks!

Yep, this week is Oil Mud Masque Week and the Canadian Beauty Bloggers have flinged around green goop on their faces to bring you their thoughts on the Montagne Jeunesse Cold Pressed Olive Oil Mud Masque and the Nut Oil Mud Masque. Let's see how this one played out...

*steph's sidenote: this week's ratings were 50/50 split in every category, none of my excessive game show lingo should be necessary to get you all riled up for our bloggers' thoughts on the oil mask...

If there's one product you need on your vanity, it's the Besame Crimson Cream Rouge. Not only is the packaging unique and vibrant but the product iteslf is a high-performing red tint for both cheeks and lips. Besame Cosmetics is a brand that recreates elegant, vintage luxury makeup from the 1920s to 1950s. The classic chrysanthemum motifs are found across all of Besame's products.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

When it comes to foundations, "matte" is my buzzword. Any indication that a foundation is matte has me running to the nearest store to swatch and smother all over my oily-skinned face . The Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation ($5.99) is one of those products. In addition to its mattifying claims, it's also supposed to be oil-free and ultra-light weight (hence being called a "mousse").

Also a new release from the Rimmel Stay Matte range is the Stay Matte Primer. Since I'm quite oil prone, I opted to pair the primer and foundation together in the hopes of aiding my complexion in staying matte for longer.

Hello readers of Fun Size Beauty, I'm Laura from Beyond Blush, and I'll be guest posting here today as a part of the Canadian Beauty Bloggers group! Today I'll be sharing with you my favourite blush brushes. I absolutely love blush, and I change up my brushes depending on the blush formula that I'm using. All of the brushes I use are synthetic.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

I am a firm hater of BB creams. From Garnier and Physicians Formula to Lioele, I haven't tried a single BB cream that I can bear to wear on my face. Asian BB creams are thick and grey-toned, while their North American counterparts are like tinted moisturizers - ultra sheer and too dewy for those with oily skin. The Rimmel BB Cream Matte in 001 Light ($6.99) falls somewhere in between - matte, medium-coverage but still lightweight.

The Rimmel BB Cream Matte is available in two shades (light and medium). It claims to be a 9-in-1 "perfecting super makeup with a natural matte finish". Yep, that's a ton of promises to be made by a single, drugstore product. As I wore this product for a week, I kept those 9 claims in the back of my mind.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Terribly awkward collages aside, only crazy ladies don't love a good deal. If you're a fan of the Body Shop (as I), I urge you to jump on this right now - Buytopia is offering $15 for $30 of product, (basically 50% off everything) and the icing on the cake is that the first 200 people to redeem the voucher get a surprise gift! The coupon is valid at Dufferin Mall (Toronto) and the Bayshore Shopping Centre (Ottawa).

Yes, the Body Shop often offers 50% off of its goodies, but it's not off everything (that deal is typically reserved for Boxing Day sales). CHECK OUT THE DEAL HERE!

T-minus three days till Good Friday! The tax deadline at work is April 30th, so I may or may not be working during the long weekend. Even though my weekend may be a bit rough, what better way to relax and rejoice at the fact that it's Easter by taking a yummy, natural bath. Lush always has the most adorable goodies to celebrate! Here's four from the limited edition collection of 6 - LushImmaculate Eggception Bath Bomb (Pink)($12.95), Bunch of Carrots Bubble Bar($12.95), Carrot Soap ($6.95),and Bunny Bubble Bar ($6.95).

Not going to lie, I haven't tried all of these products, but Easter is coming and I thought I should share what's out there before it's gone! I can only take so many baths in a span of two weeks. However, I have indeed smelled them to the fullest! Since most Lush products come without packaging, they've been sitting in my room the smell of Lush has engulfed my room with delight.

Monday, April 14, 2014

Aaaaaaand we're back for another round of the #CBBMJMASKOFF (check out last week's Hot Chocolate Self-Heating Mask Roundup here). This week's contestant is the Peel-Off Mask! 17 Canadian Beauty Bloggers put the Manuka Honey Peel Off and Green Tea Peel Off Masks to the test on the basis of comfort, aroma, results, and ease of use!

By the looks of it, the Essence Bloom Me Up! Collection is the epitome of Spring beauty. Floral embossing, lace, pastels, and a little bit of romance. There's not much more a girl could ask for. The collection consists of 3 mono eyeshadows, 1 duo eye pencil, 2 lipsticks, 2 blush sticks, 1 shimmer powder, 4 polishes, nail lace tips, 4 brushes, and a brush holder. Here's the lowdown on a few pieces from the collection now available in Canada:

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Eons ago I reviewed the Rimmel Apocalips (also known as the Show-off Lip Lacquer) in Nova ($7.99). At that point in time I was so on top of my beauty game that I reviewed the Apocalips prior to the product even being available in Canada. Now that it's available to the [Canadian] masses, the hype has died down. Nonetheless, I'm still enjoying what this lip product has to offer.

Friday, April 11, 2014

Believe it or not, I love aquariums. But not when there are so many people that it's hard to breath and squish between to get to the glass to see the fish up close and personal. It took my boyfriend and I about an hour to walk through the entire aquarium.

The whole experience was just claustrophobic. Even if you're not claustrophobic, Ripley's Believe it or Not Aquarium will make you feel like it. Also, the building itself is just very poorly designed. There's one path that everyone has to follow, which leaves very little room for exploration and makes it hard if you want to go back to look at something again. If at all possible, go on a weekday when it's (hopefully) less busy.

Anyways, here's a selection of photos from the Ripley's Believe It or Not Aquarium :)

Thursday, April 10, 2014

I love me some lippies in crayon form and I'm beyond happy to announce that the Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Crayons ($16) are now available in Canada exclusively at Shopper's Drug Mart and Murale.ca for a limited time only!

Similar to the Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss, the Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Crayon is meant to give you a visual lip-lift but different from the original, there's no intense lip tingle. As for the sciency stuff behind the buzz-free lip plumping, the formula is packed with collagen-boosting pre-peptides for plumping and ultramelt technology for lip shine, shaping, and definition.

Alternatively, the Nailed Kit Monthly Club ($14 + $5 flat rate international shipping) comes with one Nailed Kit plus additional goodies for a guaranteed retail value of $22. It's clear which one is the better deal if you're looking to try something new.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Armpits. Did I
just write something that’s, like, totally beauty blogger taboo? Maybe you
didn't catch that. Let me say it again. ARMPITS. Beauty's skeleton in the closet. As much as we try to avoid
them, neglect can cause all sorts of problems. For example, imagine you’re at
school wearing a t-shirt on a warm Spring day. You raise your hand in class to
ask a question. Hair pokes out. Flaky skin flies all over the place. Gross, I
know. Stuff like that happens in my nightmares. Anyways, my point is that….Armpits need love too.

Monday, April 7, 2014

Nail appliques are cute and convenient, but sometimes the patterns can be a touch overbearing on all five of your fingers. The solution? An accent nail!

Exhibit A - Kiss Gel Dress Gel Strips in Moon Shine. It's a dark galaxy print with red, green, pink, and gold glitters on top. Since there's 20 strips in a pack, I tried it on my entire hand at first. It was a bit much for me. I was never a fan of dark nails and I never will be. But pair the dark galaxy design with a lighter pastel polish (OPI You're Such a Budapest) and abracadabra! It's really something special (and Spring appropriate too!).

17 Bloggers. 5 weeks. 5 Montagne Jeunesse Face Masks go head to head in a challenge that will go down in Canadian Beauty Blogger history as legendary. Think Iron Chef but Face Mask style.

Each week, the bloggers will review a different kind of mask - Self-Heating, Peel-Off, Oil, Scrub, and Mud. Each mask is to be marked out of 20 with up to 5 points allocated to each of the categories of Comfort, Aroma, Results, and Ease of Use. Each week, I'll tally up the results and summarize them here. At the end of the 5 weeks, we'll compare the scores and declare a winner!

On fun size beauty, deals are always welcome. Through my work, I got my paws on a ticket for the Quadrant Cosmetics 2014 warehouse sale. In a nutshell, Quadrant Cosmetics is the Canadian distributor for Smashbox, Bourjois, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Lacoste, Hugo Boss, Escada and more.

I'm not into perfumes (a few samples is plenty for me), but you'll know that I go crazy for cosmetics. Prices were a steal of a deal. $2 for individual beauty products $5 for sets, and $1 for polishes. There were tons of bins for Smashbox and Bourjois. Naturally, I got whatever caught my eye because almost anything is worth it for $2!

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Made famous by now celebrity chef David Chang, the string of Momofuku restaurants in Toronto, Sydney, and New York have caught my eye. Oddly enough, the restaurant had a poor rating on sites like Urbanspoon and Yelp, both of which I typically trust. I guess I was surprised because I had expected it to be underwhelmingly average but what I ate impressed me.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

More often than not, I write a ton of reviews. The more I think about it, the more I realize that I try way too many beauty products than any regular human being on a yearly, monthly, and daily basis. No, I don't like every single product I've tried, but I do make a huge effort to incorporate new products into some sort of routine for at least a week or two.

Then, after my review, comes the test of time. There are often products that I'll really enjoy at first, but then get bored of how they look on my face. I change up my makeup often. So, the real gems are the ones that I'll pick up more than a couple times a week.

So... why not put it all together? This is a little summary of the things that I've already reviewed but still make their way onto my face.

A couple days a week, I've been sporting a look that takes it easy on the eyes and puts all the emphasis on the cheeks and lips.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

If I only had to wash my hair once a week, I would. Gross, I know. My love-hate relationship with my hair is never-ending. I love my long locks but I wish they were more low-maintenance. Enter the Lush Squeaky Green Solid Shampoo Bar ($11.95)and the Lush No Drought Dry Shampoo ($6.95 - 1.0 oz). It's a bird... It's a plane... It's... the-solution-to-all-my-hair-problems!

Before I give you the lowdown on this dynamic duo, let me tell you a little about my hair: (1) It's long - a couple inches below my bust (2) Similar to my skin, my hair is combination-oily - dry at the ends due to my Summer 2013 Ombre and an oil slick at the roots.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

No April-fools-ing here! With Easter and Mother's Day festivities nearing, I thought it would be a good time to let the girly girl in my heart do a little flower power nail art. To be honest, this was more like drawing on my fingers than anything else. I kind of like how my nails look like a 5 year old drew dainty little flowers on my fingertips.

Products Used:

Sally Hansen Big Shiny Top Coat

Color Club Poetic Hues

Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Striper in Yellow

Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Pen in Fine - Turquoise

Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Pen in Fine - Purple

Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Pen in Fine - Pink

Ok. So. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. 5 dots of the turquoise, pink, or purple and then a dab of yellow with the striper in the centre. VOILA! and there you have it. An itsy bitsy garden for your nails.

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